Time-recorder.



No. 738,454. 4 PATBNTED SEPT. a, 1903. W. W. KIMBALL & A. N. PALMER.TIME RECORDER.

APPLIOATION FILED SEPT. 11, 1901.

H0 MODEL. 10 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

WITNESSES." ,mv s 56% M mm MM 5 i 04TTORNEYS.

No. 738.454. PATENTED SEPT. a, 1903. w. W. KIMBALL & A. N. PALMER. TIMERECORDER.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 11, 1901.

I0 MODEL. 10 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

WITNESSES A B Y THE nonms FUERS co. mo rcnn'no. WASNIHGTON. o. c.

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No. 738,454. PATENTED SEPT. 8, 1908. W. W, KIMBALL & A. N. PALMER,

TIME RECORDER; APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 11, 1901.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

1 10 MODEL.

,INVN MAM BY ATTORNEYS] WITNESSES:

No. 738,454. PATENTED SEPT. 8, 1903.

I W. W. KIMBALL & A. N. PALMER.

TIME RECORDER.

APPLIOATION FILED SEPT. 11, 1901.

N0 MODEL. 10 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

INVENTURQ MMW m: nonms pzrzns cc, wow-urns" WASHVNG'IUN. n. L

7 No. 738,454. PATENTED SEPT. 8, 19 03.

W. W. KIMBALL & A. N. PALMER;

, TIME RECORDER. APPLIOATION FILED SEPT.'11, 1901.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

R0 MODEL.

l 11v 7030 M a d 4' BY Z QQTTO'RNEYS.

WITNESSES:

PATENTED SEPT. s, 1903.

- Y W. W. KIMBALL'G: A. N... PALMER.

TIME RECORDER. v APPLIUATION FILED SEPT. 11, 1901. 30 MODEL. 10SHEEN-SHEET 9.

No. 738,454. PATENTED SEPT. 8

W. W. KIMBALL & A. N. PALMER.

TIME RECORDER.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 11, 1901.

10 SHEETSSHEET 10.

K0 MODEL.

WITNESSES VENTORJ M1; QQZ'TORNEYS,

UNiT n STATES Patented September 8, 1903.

PATENT OEEIcE.

WILLIAM NV; KIMBALL AND ANSON N. PALMER, OF SYRACUSE, NEW YORK,ASSIGNORS TO SYRACUSE TIME RECORDER COMPANY, OF SYRACUSE, NEXV YORK, ACORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

TIME-RECORDER.

SPECIFICATION formingart of Letters Patent No. 738,454, dated September8, 1903. Application filed September 11,1901; Serial No. 023. (Nomodel.)

To (all whmn it may concern.-

Be it known that we,WILLIAM W. KIMBALL and ANsON N. PALMER, both ofSyracuse, in the county of Onondaga, in the State of New York, haveinvented new and useful Improvements in Time-Recorders, of which thefollowing, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, is afull, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to improvements in time-recorders, having moreparticular refer ence to that class in which the commencement andclosing time of employment may be registered by means of a single set oftimeprinting type wheels cooperating with a platen and inking-ribbon.

The primary object of these several im-.

provements is to increase the general efficiency and permanency of thisclass of machines and at the same time to reduce the cost of manufactureby simplifying the structure and operation of the various mechanisms.

Another object is to reduce to a minimum the load on the clock and toprevent any injurious jar, vibration, or retardation in the movement ofthe clock mechanism incidental to the operation of printing or variationin the force with which the hand-lever is operated.

A further object is to provide means for preventing any fraudulentregistration of time by the employee and at the same time permitting theprinting mechanism to be shifted in one direction at regularpredetermined intervals of time.

To this end the invention consists in the combination, construction, andarrangement of the component parts of a time-recorder as hereinafterfully described, and pointed out in the claims.

Referringto the drawings, Figure lis a front elevation of atime-recorder embodying the various elements of our invention. Figs. 2and 3 are respectively top plan and side elevation of the device seen inFig. 1, the case being shown in section for disclosing the interiormechanism and most of the clock mechanism being omitted. Fig. 4 is anenlarged rear view of the interior mechanism seen in Figs. 2 and 3, thelower portion of the supporting-standards being broken away. Fig. 5 is avertical section taken on line 5 5, Fig. 2, showing more particularlythe printing mechanism and means for controlling its operation. Figs. 6,7, 8, and 9 are detail Views of the mechanism for centering thetypewheels and moving the same toward and away from the platen. Figs. 10and 11 are respectively end and face views of the time-printing wheels.Figs. 12 and 13 are similar sectional views taken on line 12 13, Fig.10, showing the manner of moving the hour-wheel one point at eachrevolution of the min ute-wheel. Fig. 14 is an end view of thehour-wheel and the means provided on the minute-wheel for intermittentlymoving the hour-wheel one point or space. Fig. 15 is a detail view ofthe universal joint and yielding connection between the type-wheels andminute-hand spindle of the clock. Fig. 16 is a section taken on line 1616, Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is a View similar to Fig.6, showing the means forshifting the type-wheels transversely of the platen. Figs. 18, 19, and20 are detail views of the means for controlling the return shift of thetype-wheels. Fig. 21 is a detail view of the bell-ringing mechanism.Fig. 22 is a section taken on line 22 22, Fig. 3, showing the sleeve andlever which control the operation of the printing mechanism andenunciator. Fig. 23 is a detail View of the clutch which controls theoperation of the printing mechanism and enunciator. Fig. 24 is a sideelevation of the inking-ribbon reels and their actuating mechanisms.Fig. 25 is a top plan of portions of the mechanism seen in Fig. 24, theribbon beingomitted, showing particularly the ribbonreels, feedingmechanism, and friction-disks for the reels. Fig. 26 is a sectional viewon line 26 26, Fig. 24:. Figs. 27 to 32, inclusive, are details of theparts of the ribbon-feedcontrolling mechanism. Figs. 33 to 35,inclusive, are detail views of the fastening members for therecord-sheet. Fig. 36 is a sectional View on line 36 36, Fig. 8.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts in all theviews.

This invention consists, essentially, of a platen for supporting arecord-sheet, means for operating the platen, a time-printing de- Vice,clock-actuated means connected to the time-printing mechanism forsynchronizing the movement of said mechanism with the clock, means foroperating the printing mechanism to make an impression upon therecord-sheet, an enunciator and means for controlling its action, meansfor shifting the time-printing mechanism transversely of the platen, andadditional means for preventing the reset or shift of the time-printingmechanism or fraudulent registration upon the record-sheet.

The invention further consists in the detail construction andarrangement of the parts of the various mechanisms, as hereinafter fullydescribed.

The various mechanisms are mounted upon a suitable frame consisting ofan inclosing case 1 and an interior frame having upright front and rearstandards 2 and 3, the inclosing case 1 consisting of a base 4, uprightfront and rear walls 5 and 6, side walls 7, and a top wall having asuitable cornice 9, the base, front, rear, top, and side walls beingformed in sections suitably secured together by any desired form offastening means adapted to firmly secure the several sections together.

In order to permit access to the interior mechanism of thetime-recorder, one of the upright walls, as the rear wall 5, or one orboth of the end walls 7, is movable, being adapted to be swung outwardlyupon suitable hinges provided therefor. The front wall 5 of theinclosing case is preferably provided with a central circular depressedportion 10, having a circular margin 11, formed with a series ofapertures 12, which are arranged in a circle at the inner edge of themargin 11 and are designated bysuitable characters, as numerals 1, 2, 3,&c.in this instance from l to 100arranged in staggered relation to eachother between the perforations and outer edges of the margin 11, itbeing understood that there are as many apertures or perforations 12 asthere are numerals. The upper central portion of the front wall isusually formed with a circular opening 13,which is arranged to receive aclock-frame 14, Se cured within said opening in such manner that thefront face of the clock is substantially coincident with the marginalface 11 of the front wall of the inclosing case. This opening 13 extendsinto the margin 11, and the apertures 12 and their designatingcharacters terminate at opposite sides of said opening 13.

Although we have shown and described a specific form of front wall ofthe inclosing case and the relative arrangement of the clockframetherein, it will be evident that the inclosing case may be of anydesired form, size, or construction, that the clock may be located inany other position than that described, and that any number ofperforations and designating characters may be employed withoutdeparting from the spirit of this invention.

The front and rear upright standards 2 and vaaasa 3 are arranged inproximity to the adjacent front and rear walls of the inclosing case andare generally united to each other by suitable upper and lowertransverse bars 16.

The platen for supporting the record-sheet is revolubly supported withinthe inclosing case and preferably consists of a cylindrical drum 17,formed of metal or other material and provided at one end with anannular flange 18, projecting beyond the periphery of the drum, and asleeve 19, formed of rubber or equivalent resilient material, which ismounted on the periphery of the drum with one end abutting against theannular flange 18, the sleeve '19 being arranged to support arecord-sheet 20, which is also formed of substantially the same width asthe face of the drum and is adapted to abut against the annular flange18. The drum 17 is mounted upon a revoluble shaft 21 and is securedthereto by any desired fastening means, as a pin 22, which is passedthrough apertures in the hub 23 and shaft 21, it being apparent thatthis drum may be keyed t the shaft in any other manner, if desired, theparticular securing means forming no part of our present invention.

The record-sheet 20 preferably consists of a strip of paper orequivalentmaterial which is lined longitudinally and transversely, the spacesbetween the lengthwise lines representing the periods of time forbeginning and closing work and are usually designated by printedheadings-such as Morning in, Noon out, Noon in, Night out, &c.-- and thespaces between the transverse lines are usually designated by numeralscorresponding in number to the numbers of apertures 12 and the numeralsdistinguishing such apertures one from the other. This record-sheet 20is usually of substantially the same length as the periphery of thesleeve 19, so that when the record-sheet is rolled upon the periphery ofthe sleeve the opposite ends of the record'sheet lie in close proximityto each other, with the rear edge of the recordsheet abutting againstthe flange 18, which forms a suitable guide for. properly alining therecord-sheet.

Any desired means may be employed for securing the meeting ends of therecord-sheet to the platen, or rather to the periphery of the sleeve 19,this means preferably consisting of opposite substantially parallelgrippingplates 24, arranged transversely of and in proximity to theperiphery of the platen or sleeve 19, and sliding operating members 25,also arranged transversely of the platen and adapted to operate theplates 24: independently of each other. The opposite ends of each of theplates 24: are each provided with inwardly-projecting flanges or lugs26, hav ing inclined slots 27, which are arranged to receive studs orshoulders 28, projecting from one of the lengthwise edges of the bars25, these bars 25 being usually arranged transversely of and inproximity to the inner surface of the drum 17 and are held in positionby a suitable plate 29, which is secured to the inner face of the drumin such manner as to hold the bars in operative position and to permitthe same to be moved endwise for shifting the position of the lugs 28 inthe slots 27, and thereby moving the plates 24 toward and away from theperiphery of the sleeve 19, the movement of said plates 24 beingsufficient to permit the insertion of the opposite ends of therecord-sheet between the plates 24 and adjacent portions of the sleeve19 when the plates are moved to their outermost position by the bars 25.After the ends of the record-sheet are thus inserted the bars 25 aremoved endwise in the opposite directions for drawing the plates 24toward the periphery of the sleeve 19, thereby impinging therecord-sheet against said periphery and holding the same in operativeposition.

The means for operating the platen consists of the shaft 21 and a hollowrotary head 30, which is revolubly supported in an opening 31 in thefront standard 2 and is secured to the front end of the shaft 21,whichextends through said opening, the head being arranged in proximity tothe front face of the inclosing case, the axis of rotation of said headand the center of the circular margin 11 being substantially coincidentwith each other, said head 30 being provided with an arm 32, which ispivoted thereto at 33 at one side of said axis, and its other end isprovided with a handpiece 34 and a rearwardly-projecting stud 35,adapted to enter either of the apertures 12. The arm 32 and head 30serve as a convenient means for rotating the drum 17 and therecord-sheet carried thereby, the arm 32 being so arranged relatively tothe spaces between the transverse lines of the record-sheet that whenthe stud or pin 35 is registered with any particular aperture 12 or itsdesignating-number a corresponding-number on the record-sheet isregistered with the printing-point of the printing mechanism, presentlydescribed, the head 30 being also provided with a finder or pointer 30,extending beyond the stud 35 to register with said designating members,said finder having an aperture to receive and guide the stud 35.

Anysuitableinking mechanism may be employed in connection with theprinting mechanism for making an impression upon the record-sheet duringthe operation of the printing device; but we preferably employ aninking-ribbon 36, theintermediate portion of which is interposed betweenthe printing mechanism and the record-sheet, is preferably arrangedtransversely of the platen, and its opposite ends are mounted upon reels37 and 38. This inking-ribbon is adapted to be moved intermittentlytransversely of the platen and recordsheet during the operation ofprinting, the means for elfecting this intermittentmotion consistingofratchet-wheels 37 and 38, pawls 40 and 41, a reciprocating bar 42, andmovable means interposed between the bar 42 and pawls for actuating saidpawls alternately to rotate the ratchet-wheels 37' and 38 in reversedirections. This means for effecting the reverse movement of the spoolsor reels 37 or 38 preferably consists of bell-crank levers 44 and 45, anoscillating pawl 46, and a rock-arm 47, connected to the pawl 46 forshifting its position to engage one or the other of the levers 44 or 45.The bellcrank levers 44 and 45 are pivoted in planes above and beneaththe sliding bar 42, one of the arms of each of the levers being extendedtoward the sliding bar 42, and the oscillating pawl 46 is pivoted at oneend at 48 to the sliding bar 42, its free end being movable into and outof the path of the adjacent arms of the levers 44 and 45, so that whenthe oscillating arm 46 is moved to one position and the bar42 isreciprocated said oscillating arm will automatically rock one of thelevers 44 or 45, and thereby actuate the pawl 40 or 41 connectedthereto, the lever 44 being connected directly to the pawl 40 and thelever 45 being connected to the pawl 41 by a rocking lever 49 andsuitable links 50 and 51. The intermediate portion of the ribbon 36 ismounted upon suitable studs or rollers 52, which are supported inbrackets 53 at opposite sides or ends of the upper portion of the platen19 and forming a portion of the supportingframe.

The reels 37 and 38 are detachably mounted upon studs 54, secured to thesupportingarms 55 at opposite ends and preferably within the peripheryof said platen, and are held in position by spring-catches 56, which aresecured to the studs 54 and are adapted to be automatically depressedwithin a suitable slot formed in said stud when the reels are insertedupon or removed from their supporting-studs. These reels, as previouslystated, are adapted to feed the ribbon in reverse directions and areautomatically retarded from undue movement by suitable friction-brakes57, which are interposed between inclined cam-faces 58, formed onsuitable plates 59, Figs. 24 and 25, and are so arranged that when thefeeding-reel is actuated one of the arms of its brake 57 rides upon thecam-face 58 from its lowest to its highest point, thereby increasing thefriction of the spring-arm of the brake against the reel, or ratheragainst the face of the adjacent ratchet-wheel 37" or 38. This slidingor oscillating movement of the brake member along the inclined face 58is facilitated -or positively effected by means of a pin or shoulder 60upon eachof the pawls 40 and 41, these shoulders being adapted to engagean arm 61, forming a portion of the brake, so that when one of the pawlsis moved into operative position the brake member is tensioned againstthe surface of the ratchetwheel for retarding the movement of thefeeding-reel, it being understood that the faces 58 are inclined inopposite directions, so that when one of the reels is feeding the saidsocket.

brake of the other reel is automatically released by oscillating fromthe highest point of its cam-face 58 to the lowest point, this lattermovement being effected automatically by the frictional contact orengagement of the brake-shoe with the adjacent reel. Although thismovement of the brake member automatically releases the reel from whichthe ribbon is being fed, the friction between the brake member and reelis always sufficient to prevent any slack or looseness in the operationof the ribbon extending across the face of the platen. The pawls 40 and41 are adapted to be brought alternately into action for rotating thereels, this alternate action being controlled by the rock-arm 47 and alink 63, connecting said arm to the oscillating member 46 in such mannerthat when the arm 47 is rocked the oscillating member 46 is movedalternately into registration with the bell-crank levers 44 and 45.

One end of the rock-arm 47 is provided with teeth 64, which are adaptedto be engaged by a suitable detent 65, consisting of a spring-arm havinga roller-bearing face arranged to engage said teeth and hold therock-arm 47 in either of its adjusted positions. WVe preferably providemeans for automatically shifting the position of this rockarm as theribbon is wound from one reel to the other, this means usuallyconsisting of separated arms 66, provided on the rock-arm 47 forreceiving the ribbon 36, said ribbon being provided with shoulders 67,secured to the edges of the ribbon in proximity to its opposite ends,which shoulders are adapted to engage the opposite faces of the arms 66as the reels are rotated in reverse directions, and being of greaterthickness than the space between said arms it is evident that therockarm 47 will be automatically rocked upon its pivot 68 as the ribbonreaches the limit of its movement in either direction. The sliding bar42 is mounted in suitable guides 69, formed on a bracket 70, beingactuated by a collar 71, mounted on the main supportingshaft 21 for theplaten. The shaft 21 is provided with a lengthwise opening or socket 72,in which is movable a plunger 73, adapted to be actuated lengthwise ofthe shaft in one direction by the operating member 32 against the actionof a spring 74, also-arranged in This shaft 21 is also provided with alengthwise slot 75, and the collar 71 is mounted on the shaft andsecured to the plunger 73 by a pin or equivalent fastening means 76, sothat as the plunger is reciprocated in the socket 72 against the actionof the spring the collar 71 is similarly moved along the shaft, thiscollar being provided With an annular groove 77 and a flange 78 and isrotatable with the shaft 21.

The sliding member42 is provided with a hook-shaped extremity 79,engaged with the flange 78, whereby as the collar is reciprocated alongthe shaft similar motion is transmitted to the sliding bar 42 and theoscillating member 46, the spring 74 serving to retract the collar andsliding bar connected thereto. As the sliding bar 42 is moved by theoperating member 32 the free end of the oscillating member 46 is movedbeyond the adjacent ends of the bell-cranks 44 and 45, so as to engagethe bell-crank alined therewith for operating the pawl andreels upon thereturn movementoftheplunger by the spring 74.

The time-printing mechanism previously mentioned preferably consists ofthe minute-hand spindle 80, a second-spindle 81, actuated by the formerspindle, type-wheels 82 and 83, operating in conjunction with theinking-ribbon 36 and platen 19, and a suitable operating mechanism,hereinafter described, for moving the type-wheels toward and away fromthe platen. Any desired form of clock mechanism may be employed inconnection with my invention provided with the minute-hand spindle 80,having a socket in one end for receiving the adjacent end of the spindle81, said spindle 81 being formed of sections arranged end to end andconnected to each other bya universal joint 82, so that thetype-wheel-supporting section may be free to move out of alinement withthe other section during the operation of printing. The end of thespindle 81 adjacent to the clock mechanism is connected to the spindle80, with a loss motion adapted to be taken up by a spring 83 for thepurpose of permitting the type-wheels to be accurately centered forprinting at a fixed point upon the recordsheet in a manner hereinafterdescribed.

The spindle 81 is journaled in a rocking yoke or frame 84, pivoted atits intermediate portion at 85 to suitable brackets or standards 86,this yoke or frame 84 being provided with arms 87, having correspondingends united and connected to and operating member 88 and their oppositeends adapted to receive and support the spindle 81, being separated fromeach other a sufficient distance to permit the type-wheels to be shiftedalong the spindle transversely of the platen in a manner and for apurpose hereinafter described.

The type-wheel 82 is provided with peripheral characters for printingthe minutes upon the record-sheet, and the type-wheel 83 is providedwith peripheral type for printing the hours upon the record-sheet inproximity to the minute-printing type, this hour-wheel 83 being actuatedby the minute-wheel one type-space at each revolution of saidminute-wheel. The printing-faces of these type- Wheels are arranged inplanes coincident with each other and are adapted to print at a fixedpoint upon the record-sheet. These type-- wheels 82 and 83 are mounteddirectly above the upper face of the platen 17 and, together with theribbon 36, are arranged to print at a point upon the record-sheetsubstantially coincident withastraight line drawn between the axes ofthe type-wheels and platen, it being understood that the axis of thetype-wheel IIO 83 is disposed in the same straight line between the axesof the minute wheel and platen.

The means foractuating the hour-wheel 83 one type-space at eachrevolution of the minute-wheel preferably consists of an operatingarm89, which is secured to the minute-wheel in any desired manner, itslower face being arranged to engage any one of a series of projectingshoulders or pins 90 upon the hour-wheel 83. These pins are arranged ina circle concentric with the periphery of the hour-wheel, the engagingface of the arms 89 and pins 90 being so relatively arranged that as thearm 89 is rotated by the minute-wheel its lower face or edge contactswith one of the pins and carries the hour-wheel forward a distance ofone type-space, so that the printing-type of the hour-wheel isregistered with one of the printing-type of the minute-wheel at theprinting-point, it being understood that owing to the rotation of thetwo type-wheels in different arcs the lower edge of the arm 89 isarranged to leave the pin engaged thereby when the hour-wheel has beenrotated one type-space, as just described, the minutewheel continuing torotate another revolution before the hour-wheel is again rotated, whenthe operation just described is repeated.

It is desirable in this class of printing mechanism to provide somemeans for holding the hour-wheel from vibration during the act ofprinting, and we therefore provide a ball or equivalent device 91, whichis movable in a socket 92, formed in an arm 93, the ball 92 beingnormally forced outwardly by a suitable spring 94 and automaticallyregisters with the space between the pins 90, thereby serving to holdthe hour-wheel from vibratory movement during the operation of printing,which will be presently described. This hour-wheel 83 is preferablyjournaled in the lower end of the arm 93, being held in position by asplit collar 95, which serves to permit the removal of the hour-wheelwhenever desired. The upper end of the arm 93 is journaled on a sleeve96, to which the minute type-Wheel is secured, said sleeve beingfeathered on the shaft 81 and adapted to move transversely of the platenbetween the arms 87 of the yoke 84, thus formingasliding support for thetype-wheels. Although the arm 93 is journaled at its upper end onsuitable ball-bearings on the sleeve 96 and the typewheel 83 isjournaled upon its lower end, said arm and type-wheel are prevented fromoscillatory movement by a suitable guide 97, in this instance consistingof a slot formed in an arm 98 for receiving the projecting end of thespindle or hour-wheel, the arm 98 forming a portion of the frame of themachine and the slot or guide 97 being of sufficient length or depth topermit the type-wheels to be moved toward and away from the platen inthe operation of printing upon the recordsheet. The oppositelongitudinal edges of the arm 89 are preferably beveled to substantiallya knife-edge, which permits said arm to readily force the ball 91 withinthe socket against the action of the spring 92 and out of the path ofthe pins 90, it being apparent that when the arm 89 is out ofregistration or engagement with the ball 91 said ball is automaticallyforced into the space between the pins for locking the hour-wheel fromfurther rotary movement.

The means for controlling the movement of the type-wheels toward andaway from the platen for printing upon the record-sheet preferablyconsists of the yoke 84, link 88, a spindle 99, having an eccentric 100and a pinion 101, and a rack 102, which is actuated by a lever 103,connected to the collar 71.

The link 88 is yieldingly connected to substantially the central portionof the yoke 84, being provided with a suitable buffer in the form of aspring 104, interposed between the lower face of the adjacent portion ofthe yoke 84 and a suitable shoulder 105 upon the link 88, so that whenthe yoke is rocked for forcing the type into engagement with the inkribbon and record-sheet the force of the printing impression isregulated by the buffer 104. The lower end of the link 88 is bifurcatedor formed with a lengthwise slot extending inwardly from its lower edgefor receiving a pin 106 upon the eccentric 100, said eccentric beingmounted in suitable bearings 107.- This pin 106 is eccentrically securedto the disk and is connected to one end of a spring 108, the other endof said spring being secured to a stud 109, provided on thesupporting-frame of the machine. The spring 108 serves to hold theeccentric-disk 100 in its normal or inoperative position, said springbeing normally engaged with a suitable stop 109. This eccentric-disk 100and pinion 101 are mounted upon a crank-shaft 99, and the rack 102 isheld in operative engagement with said pinion by a suitable guide orshoulder 110, so arranged that the rack may be moved to and fro forrotating the pinion and eccentric-disk against the action of the spring108.. This reciprocal movement of the rack is effected by the arm orlever 103, which is pivoted at its intermediate portion at 111 and isprovided with a bifurcated extremity having roller-bearings 112 arrangedin the annular groove 77 of the collar 71, so that as the collar 71 isreciprocated along the shaft 21 by means of the operating-lever 32 andplunger 73, as previously described, the lever 103 is rock-ed upon itspivot 111, thereby reciprocating the rack 102 and rotating the shaft 99.This rotation of the shaft 99 causes the eccentric-disk 100 to rotateagainst the action of the spring 108 in the direction indicated by arrow00 until the pin 106 is moved to the opposite side of the axis of theshaft 99 and beyond the deadcenter, whereupon the spring 108automatically completes the revolution of the shaft'99 and disk 100,which automatic movement causes the pin to engage the upper end wall ofl the'slotin the lower end of the link 88, thereby forcibly elevatingsaid link and rocking the yoke 84 upon its pivot 85, which in turnforces the type-Wheels into engagement with the inking-ribbon and towardthe platen for print ing upon the record-sheet, the spring 108 and stop109 serving to return the eccentric-disk and to hold the same in itsnormal position until the rack and pinion are again actuated by theoperating member 32 and collar 71.

The eccentric-disk 100 is preferably secured to the shaft, while thepinion 101 is loosely mounted uponsaid shaft and is adapted to be lockedto said shaft when rotatedin one direction by a clutch mechanismconsisting, preferably, of a disk 113, secured to the shaft 99, and apin 114, arranged to engagesuitable shoulders in the adjacent faceof'the pinion 101. The pin 114 is guided in a suitable aperture formedin the disk 113 and is held in operative position by a spring 116 forengaging the shoulders 115 of the pinion 101 so that as said pinion isrotated in the direction indicated by arrow g, Fig. 23, the disk 113,shaft 99, and disk 100 are rotated, there by actuating the link 88 andyoke 84 to operate the printing-wheels in the manner just described.

It is thus evident from the foregoing description that the disks 100 and113 are secured to the shaft 99 and are adapted to be rotated by thespring 108 independently of the rack and pinion and that no matter Whatforce may be applied to the operating member 32 the impact of thetype-wheels against the platen is always the same and controlled by thetension of the spring 108.

We usually provide a suitable annunciator to indicate that the printinghas been effected by the type-wheels upon the record-sheet. Thisannunciator preferably consists of a bell 114 and a striker 115, thebell being secured to a suitable standard 116, forming a portion of theframe, and the striker 115 is mounted upon an arm 117, secured to thedisk 113, the operation of this disk being similar to the operation ofthe eccentric-disk 100 and is effected by means of a spring 118, havingone end secured to the stud 109, mounted upon the supporting-frame, andits other end connected by a link 1.20 to the disk 113 at one side ofits center, or rather atone side of the shaft 99, so that as the shaftis rotated by means of the rack and pinion in the direction indicated byarrows, Fig. 21, the disk 113 is rotated substantially a half arevolution and beyond the dead-center bysaid rack and pinion, whereuponthe spring 118 automatically completes the revolution of the disk 113and forcibly returns the arm 117 to'its normal position, the striker115" being mounted upon said arm with a loss of motion in such manner asto contact with the peripheral edge of the bell 114 during'itsmovementas effected by the spring 118. It is apparent from the foregoingdescription that the rotation of the platen, the ribbon-feed, theprinting of the type-Wheels upon the record-sheet, and the operation ofthe annunciator are all controlled from a single operating member, as32, this being one of the important features of our invention. T

In the operation of printing upon the record-sheet it is essential thatthe type-Wheels be properly centered to print at a fixed point, and wetherefore provide the minute-wheel with a series of shoulders orprojections 120, cooperating with suitable fingers 121 and 122, whichare mounted upon a rock-arm 123. This rock-arm 123 is pivoted at 124 toa crosshead 125, one end of said rock-arm being pro-- vided with thefingers 121 and 122 and the other end is connected to a suitablereciprocallymovable bar 126, which is actuated by the eccentric-disk100, this bar being provided with a rollei' bearing 127, normallyengaged with the periphery of theeccentricdisk 100 in such manner thatas the disk is rotated in the manner previously described by the rackand pinion and spring 108 the bar 126' is automatically elevated justprior to the operation of the type-wheels in the act of printingthat is,the centering-fingers 121 or 122 are brought into action to hold thetype-wheel from vibratory or rotary motion during the operation ofprinting.

The finger 121 is preferably fixed to the arm 123 and is adapted toenter the space between the pins 120 just previous to the operation ofthe type-wheels; but it sometimes happens that one of the pins 120registers exactly With the point of the fixed finger, and We thereforeprovide the finger 122, which is yieldinglymounted upon the arm 123,being actuated in a slot 128 and normally held with its point beneaththe lower edge of the finger 121 by a spring 129. The lower end of thisfinger 122 is provided With a V-shaped cut-out adapted to engage withthe pin or shoulder 120, registered therewith for the purpose ofcentering the type to print at the fixed printing-point and hold saidtype-Wheel from vibratory or rotary motion during the operation ofprinting.

As previously stated, the type-wheels are moved transversely of theplaten for the purpose of printing upon the record-sheet at differentintervals of time, such as Morning in, Noon out, Noon in, Night out,fro. 'In order to accomplish this shifting movement of the type-Wheels,We provide a suitable transverse guide or support 130, upon which thecross-head is mounted and adapted to be moved transversely of the recordsheet or platen by means of a rotary sleeve 131, a lever 132, and a link133, connecting one end of said lever to the crosshead 125. The sleeve131 is journaled in the opening or bearing 31 in the front standard 2,encircles the shaft 21, and is rotatable independently of said shaft andis provided with a spiral groove' or cam 135. The lever 132 is pivotedat 136 to an arm or bracket 137, forming a portion of the standard 2,said ICC IIO

lever having its lower end provided with a roller hearing or stud 137,riding in the spiral groove135, whereby as the sleeve 131 is rotated thelever 132 is oscillated and by means of the connection 133 serves tomove the crosshead along the guide and transversely of the platen.

In order that the type-wheels may be moved simultaneously with thecross-head and still be free to rotate, we provide the cross-head withforked arm 98 and an additional yoke or bifurcated arm 138, thebifurcated end of the arm 98 being arranged to saddle the spindle of thehour-wheel in proximity to the arm 93 and the bifurcated end of the arm138 being arranged to saddle the spindle 81 at opposite sides of theadjacent end of the arm 93 in such manner that the opposite forks of thebifurcated extremity of the arm 138 engage the opposite faces of thebearing for the arm 93, thereby locking the sliding supports for thetype-wheels to the cross-head. The front wall 5 of the inclosing case isprovided with a plate 139, arranged concentric with the collar or sleeve131, said plate beingformed with a series of characters ordesignations140 and corresponding notches 141, the designatingcharacters indicating the several periods of time at which the employeeusually begins and leaves work, such as In, Out, In, Out, &c. The frontend of the sleeve or collar 131 is provided with an index-finger 142,having a shoulder 143, the finger 142 being provided with a handpiece144 and the shoulders 143 being arranged to in tel-lock with the notchesor cut-outs 141 when the finger is registered with either of thedesignating characters 140, it being understood that said finger isformed of spring or yielding material, which permits the shoulder to bedisengaged from the notches 141 when desired to rotate the sleeve 131 bymeans of the handpiece 144. The plate 139 is provided with aninnergroove 145 for receiving the inner end of the shoulder 143, thisgroove formingadepending ribupon the lower edge of the plate, in whichrib is arranged the notches 141, the groove 145 being of sufficientdepth to permit the shoulder to be moved inwardly to disengage the samefrom the notches 141 and then rotated to any position desired.

It sometimes happens that when an employee arrives at work late hepurposely omits registering the time of arrival and waits until acorresponding hour later in the day, at which timeas, for instance, whenleaving work and after registering his time of leaving-he resets thedevice for the morning hour and then prints whatever time he chooses.For instance, suppose the regular time of beginning work to be seven a.m. and the employee does not arrive until 7.30 a. m., it being customaryto register a few minutes, at least, before seven a. m. if the workmanis on time. Instead of registering his time of beginning he purposelyomits to do so and waits until the closing hour at night, usually six p.m. He then delays the registering until, say, 6.30 p. m., at which timehe registers the time of leaving, and then resets the printingwheels tothe position of Morning in and registers the time of arrival as (3.30 a.m. In order to obviate this fraudulent registration, we provide anoscillating bar or lever 146, which is generally concealed beneath theplate 139, being pivoted at its intermediate portion at 147, and havingits opposite ends provided with shoulders 148 and 149, the shoulder 148being arranged in proximity to the designating character indicatingMorning in, and the shoulder 149 is arranged in proximity to thenoonhem-designating character and between the N oon-out and Noon-ingraduations. This lever 146 cooperates with the finger 142 or, rather,with the shoulder 143 in such manner that the shoulders 148 and 149 areadapted to be alternately engaged by the shoulder 143 of the finger142that is, the

shoulder 148 is normally out of the path of the shoulder 143 at thestarting position-as seen in Figs. 1 and 18, so that the finger 142 isfree to move toward the shoulder 149 without afiecting the operation ofthe lever 146. As the shoulder 143 engages the shoulder 149 itautomatically rocks the lever and forces the shoulder 148 into the pathof movement of the shoulder 143, the lever being held in this positionby a spring-actuated step 150, having a handpiece 151 at the inside ofthe inclosing case, ,Whereby said step may be withdrawn by thetimekeeper or other attendant having access to the interior of themachine. It is apparent from the foregoing description that owing to thefact that the shoulder 148 is arranged between the graduationsindicating the time of beginning and closing in the morning and theshoulder 149 being arranged between the gradnations indicating the timeof closing and beginning at noon as soon as the shoulder 143 engages theshoulder 149 the shoulder 148 prevents the return movement of the leverto its initial or starting position, the step 150 being automaticallyforced into the path of movement of the end of the lever adjacent to theshoulder 148 by a spring 153.

When desired to reset the type-wheels to their initial or startingposition, the timekeeper withdraws the stop 150 from the path of themovement of the lever, whereupon the finger 142ismanuallyreturnedtoitsnormalposition, it being understood that as soon asthe step 150 is withdrawn the lever 143 automatically returns to itsnormal position, the shoulder 149 being sufficiently weighted to effectthis automatic return. Inorder that the centering device for thetype-wheels, and particularly that for the minute-wheel, may be movedsiupon the operating member 126, this rod or bearing being of sufficientlength to permit the transverse movement of the cross-head carrying therock-arm 123. The rock-arm 123 is provided with a spring 159, which isarranged to engage the upper face of the bar 158 for the purpose ofholding said bar in engagement with the lower wall of the slot 156, thisarrangement permitting a slight loss motion between the operating memberand rocklever 123, the purpose of this loss motion being to compensatefor the difference in movement of the centering-fingers, as-previouslydescribed.

As previously stated, the clock-frame extends into the margin 11 of thefront wall 5 of the inclosing case, and the apertures 12 terminate ateither side of said clock-frame, or rather the opening for receivingsaid frame, and it is evident, therefore, that the clockface is in thepath of movement of the stud 35 of the operating member 32, and in orderto prevent the operation of the lever 32 during the transit of the stud35 across the face of the clock we provide the collar 71 with aperipheral projection or wing71, cooperating with a stop 78, said wingbeing of sufficient circumferential length to prevent the endwisemovement of the collar 71 when the stud 35 is registered with the frontface of the clock-frame.

In the operation of our invention the typewheels are automaticallyactuated and synchronized with the clock mechanism, the minutetype-wheels 82 being moved continuously and are provided with a numberof peripheral type, in this instance sixty, corresponding to theminute-dial of the clock, the typespace representing intervals of aminute. The hour printing-wheel 83 is actuated intermittently onetype-space by and at each revolution of the minute-wheel, being providedwith a number of printing-type, in this instance, twelve, representingas many hours, numbered from one to twelve consecutively. In placing therecord-sheet upon the platen one end of the record-sheet is insertedbetween one of the clamping-plates 24 and the adjacent face of theplaten, and the corresponding bar 25 is then moved endwise to impingethe plate 24 against the adjacent end of the record-sheet. Therecord-sheet is then held against the surface of the platen with itsedge abutting against the flange 18 and the platen rotated to roll therecord-sheet thereon, the opposite end of said record-sheet being theninserted between the other clampingplate 24 and the platen, whereuponthe sliding bar 25 of the latter clamping-plate 24 is moved endwise toimpinge said plate against said opposite end of the record-sheet, theplates 24 being substantially identical in construction, and the bars 25are also formed in substantially the same manner.

When an employee desires to register his time of beginning or closingwork upon .the record-sheet, the arm 32 is rotated by means from thespirit of our invention.

of the handpiece 34 until the stud or arm 35 is registered with theaperture having a number corresponding with the number of the employee.This operation rotates the drum or platen carrying the record-sheet,which is provided with numbers or designating characters correspondingto those upon the margin 11, so that when the arm 35 is registered withany particular number upon the dial 11 the corresponding number ispresented to the printing-pointofthetype. Thelever32is then rockedinwardly, the stud 35 entering the aperture alined therewith, whichlocks the arm and platen from further rotary movement and at the sametime moves the plunger 73 endwise against the action of the spring 74.This lattermovementrotatesthe shaft 99,carryingthe disks 100 and 113,which when rotated a trifle more than half a revolution areautomatically rotated the remaining portion of one revolution by thesprings 108 and 118. This latter operation by the spring 108 forces thetypewheels toward the platen through the medium of the link 88 and yoke84 and simultaneously operates the centering-fingers on the arm 123 bymeans of the link or bar 26. The rotation of the disk 113 by the sameshaft which operates the disk 100 automatically forces the striker 115into engagement with the bell114, the spring 118 serving as anindependent motive power for effecting this movement of the disk 113. Asthe plunger 73 is moved inwardlyin the act of printing, the bar 42 isreciprocated by means of the sliding collar 71, which in turn operatesone or the other of the bell-crank levers 44 or 45, according to whichis in alinement with the oscillating arm 46, and the corresponding reel3'7 or 38 is rotated one tooth at each return movement of the plunger 73by the spring 74. This operation intermittently rotates theinking-ribbon, thereby always presenting a new surface to the type.

The operation just described is the same for different periods of time,such as the beginning of work and closing of work, and when it isdesired to set the type-wheels for another period of time it is simplynecessary to rotate the finger 142 one graduation-as, for instance, fromMorning in to Noon out which operation moves the type-Wheelstransversely of the record-sheet into registration with anotherlengthwise division on said record-sheet. In like manner the type-wheelsmay be moved from one side of the recordsheet to the other and a similaroperation, such as the reverse movement of the finger 142, returns thetype-wheels to their normal or initial position.

The operation of our invention will now be readily understood uponreference to the foregoing description and theaccompanying drawings, anditwill be noted that some change may be made in the detail constructionand arrangement of the component parts of our improved time-recorderwithout departing Therefore we do notlimitmyselfto the preciseconstruction shown and described.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim, and desireto secureby Letters Patent, is

1. In a time-recorder, the combination with a platen for supporting therecord-sheet, of a clamping-plate and bar transversely of the platen,the bar having a sliding movement relative to the plate and connected toforce the plate into and out of engagement with the record-sheet.

2. In a time-recorder, the combination With a rotary platen for therecord-sheet, clamping-plates for the record-sheet having inclinedbearings, and sliding bars engaged with the bearings for operating theplates.

3. The combination with a platen for the record-sheet of atime-recorder, of a clamping-plate and bar movable in different planes,one part being provided with inclined bearings, and the other withshoulders engaged with the bearings whereby the movement of one movesthe other into and out of engagement with the record-sheet.

4. The combination with a platen for the record-sheet of atime-recorder, said platen being provided with a transverse guide,movable clamps for the opposite ends of the record-sheet each having itsopposite ends provided with inclined slots, and sliding bars movable inthe guide and having shoulders projecting into said slots for thepurpose specified.

5. The combination with the frame of a time-recorder, of a rotary platenadapted to carry a record-sheet having transverse divisions anddesignating characters for each division, a plate or wall having aseries of apertures arranged concentric With the platen and eachdesignated by a character corresponding to the characters on therecordsheet, a rotary head connected to rotate the platen, and ahandpiece pivoted to the head with a projection to enter the apertures.

6. In a time-recorder, a platen for the record-sheet, a time-printingWheel and a supporting-spindle therefor movable toward and from theplaten, a spring connected to force the spindle toward the platen, andan operating member connected to force the spindle from the platenagainst the action of the spring, the connection between the operatingmember and spindle being broken automatically by the continued movementof said operating member.

7. In a time-recorder, the combination of a revoluble platen, andtime-printing wheels having parallel axes, the printing-wheels beingmovable axially and radially relatively to the platen, ribbon-reelsjournaled at opposite ends of the platen between its axes and peripheryand having their axes at right angles with those of the platen andprintingwheels and carrying a ribbon between the adjacent faces of theplaten and printingwheels, an operating member connected to rotate theplaten and having an independent movement, means actuated by saidindependent movement to rotate the reels, and a spring tensioned by saidindependent movement of the operating member and connected to move thetype-wheels toward the platen.

8. In a time-recorder, the combination with a platen and aclock-actuated spindle having a socket, a second spindle carrying atypewheel movable toward and away from the platen, the type-wheelspindle having one end turning in said socket with a loss motion for thepurpose described, and a spring for taking up said loss motion.

9. In a time-recorder, the combination with a platen and aclock-actuated spindle, a sectional spindle, one section carrying atypewheel movable toward and away from the platen, the type-wheelspindle being connected to the clock-actuated spindle with a loss motionfor the purpose described, a spring for taking up said loss motion, anda universal joint between the type-wheel and clock-spin-- dle andconnecting the ends of the sectional spindle.

10. In a time-recorder, the combination with a platen, of atime-printing device movable toward and from the platen, a springoperatively connected to'move said printing device toward the platen,and manually-operated means operatively connected to tension the springand to disconnect therefrom after the spring is tensioned.

11. In a time-recorder, the combination with a platen, of aclock-actuated sectional spindle, one section being movable radiallytoward and from the platen and connected to the other section with aloss motion, a spring connected to take up the loss motion a type-wheelmounted upon the radially-movable spindle-section and rotatingtherewith, stop-shoulders on the type-wheel, and means engaging thestops to center the type at the printing-point.

12. In a time-recorder, the combination with a time-printing wheel, asecond printing-wheel provided with stops, a holding device to engagethe stops, and means on the former wheelto force said device from itsoperative position and to engage the stops and rotate the second wheelstep by step.

13. In a time-recorder, the combination of a clock-actuatedminute-printing wheel, an hour-printing wheel provided with stops, amovable member projecting between. the stops to hold the type of thehour-wheel at the printing-point, and a projection on the minute-wheeloperating to displace the holding device and to successively engage thestops to move the hour-Wheel step by step. 14:. A printing mechanism fortime-recorders comprising a-platen and inking-ribbon, a time-controlledtype-wheel movable toward and from the platen, a spring connected tomove the type-wheel toward the platen and manually-operated meansoperating to tension the spring, said spring acting independently ofsaid means to move the type-wheel toward the platen. 1

15. In a time-recorder, the combination with a' platen, of atime-printing wheel movable teward the platen, a rotary memberoperatively connected to move the type-wheel toward the platen, andmeans actuated by the rotary member to hold the type-wheel fromvibratory movement during the operation of printing. .7

16. A printing mechanism for time-record ers comprising a platen andinking-ribbon,a time-controlled type-wheel movable toward the platen, arotary member connected to move the type-wheel toward the platen,meansto rotate'said member and automatic ally-operated means controlledby the rotary member and operating simultaneously therewith forcentering the type to print at a fixed point. r

17. A printing mechanism for time-recorders comprising a platen andinking-ribbon, a time-controlled type-wheel movable toward the platen, aspring-actuated eccentric connected'to actuate the type-wheel toward theplaten; and manually-operated mechanism to rotate the eccentric totension the spring, the eccentric being movable by the springindependently of said mechanism for the purpose set forth.

18. A printing mechanism for time-recorders comprising a platen andinking-ribbon, a time-controlled type-Wheel movable toward the platen,means to move the type-wheel toward the platen, a device for centeringthe type to print at a fixed point, and a springactuated eccentricrotated by said means to tension the spring, said eccentric beingautomatically actuated by the spring independently of said means tooperate the type-wheels toward'the platen.

19. In a time-recorder, the combination of a platen and an inkingribbon,a clock-actuated spindle movable toward and from the 'platen,atime-printing wheel on the spindle,

a rotary member connected to move the spindle toward the platen, aspring actuating said member, a bell, a striker for the bell, a springto operate the striker, and means to tension and release the springs.

20. Aprinting mechanism for time-recorders comprising a platen andinking-ribbon, a time-controlled type-wheel movable toward the platen,means to move the type-wheel toward the platen, a bell, aspring-actuated eccentric having a striker for the bell, the eccentricbeing partially rotated by said means to tension the spring and thespring. serving to further rotate the eccentric independently of saidmeans to operate the striker against the bell.

21. A printingmechanism for time-recorders comprisinga platen andink-ribbon,a rockarm having a time-controlled type-wheel journaledthereon and adapted to move the typewheel toward the platen, thetype-wheel being provided with a series of centering-points, a secondrock-arm having a fixed finger and a movable finger, the fixed fingerbeing movable between the points and the -movable fingerbeing arrangedto engage a single point to center the type-wheel and hold the same fromvibratory movement during the act of printing, a rotary eccentricconnected to the rock-arms, a bell, an additional eccentric having astriker for the bell, means for simultaneously and partially rotatingthe'eccentrics, and springs for further rotating the eccentrics tooperate the rockarms and striker independently of said means.

22. A printing mechanism for time-recorders comprising a platen, arocking frame fixed from end wise movement,a olockactuated sectionalspindle having one of its sections journaled on the frame, a type-wheelfeathered on the section on the frame, and manuallyoperated meansoperatively connected to rock the frame in one direction only.

23. A printing mechanism for time-recorders comprising a platen, arocking frame fixed from endwise movement,a clock-actuated sectionalspindle having one of its sections journaled on the frame, a type-wheelfeathered on the section on the frame, and manuallyoperated meansoperatively connected to rock the frame in one direction only and aspring operatively connected to rock the frame in the oppositedirection.

24:. A printing mechanism for time-recorders comprising a platen, arocking frame fixed from endwise movement,a clock-actuated sectionalspindle having one of its sections journaled on the frame, a type-wheelfeathered on the section of the frame, and manuallyoperated meansoperatively connected to rock the frame in'one direction only,agicentering device to hold the type-wheel from vibratory movement whileprinting, and a spring operatively connected to rock the frame in theopposite direction and to simultaneously bring the centering device intoaction.

25., A printing mechanism for time-recorders, comprising a platenandinking-ribbon, a rock-arm having a clock-actuated spindle journaledthereon, means to rock the arm, a type-wheel feathered on the spindle, asecond arm depending from the spindle and movable lengthwise of saidspindle with the type-wheel, a second type-wheel journaled on the armand rotated one type-space at each revolution of the former type-wheel,a sliding cross-head connected to move the type-wheels and second arm,and rotary means connected tothe cross-head for actuating the same.

26. A printing mechanism for time-recorders, comprising a platen andink-ribbon, a rotary shaft carrying a platen, time-controlled typewheels movable transversely of the platen and having an independentmovement toward and away from the platen, means for moving thetype-wheels toward the platen, and a rotary cam mounted on the shaft and

